Bachmann 31-901A

Tooling

Originally developed by Mainline Railways in 1985, this tooling represented the iconic GWR 57xx, 67xx, and 8750 Pannier Tank locomotives. Following Mainline’s closure, the tooling passed to Replica Railways, and was later acquired by Bachmann, who began releasing models under their Branchline range from 1991. These models filled a gap in the market for reliable, affordable representations of the ubiquitous GWR pannier tanks, widely used across the UK rail network.

Tooling Features

• Scale: OO Gauge (1:76)
• Construction: Injection-moulded plastic body with separately fitted details
• Detailing: Basic cab interior, moulded handrails (some later models upgraded to metal), rivet and panel detailing
• Couplings: Tension-lock couplings in non-NEM pockets
• Variants Covered: 57xx, 67xx (no ATC or vacuum brakes), and 8750 (larger cab)

Mechanical & Electrical

• Motor: 3-pole motor mounted in a split chassis
• Drive: All-wheel drive via central gear tower
• Minimum Radius: Suitable for 2nd radius curves (438mm) and above
• Weighting: Moderate, with metal chassis block aiding traction
• Lighting: No factory lighting
• Electrical Pickup: All wheels, but prone to contact issues over time due to split chassis design

DCC Capability

• DCC Ready: Not socketed; requires hardwiring for decoder installation
• Challenges: Split chassis makes DCC conversion complex
• Recommendation: Best suited for experienced modellers if DCC fitting is desired

Liveries Produced

Models using this tooling were released in a wide variety of liveries:

• GWR Green (plain and shirtbutton)
• BR Black (plain, early emblem, late crest)
• London Transport Maroon
• National Coal Board Green
• Private Owner & Freelance Schemes

Reviews & Commentary

• Performance: Generally reliable runners, though split chassis models are known for gear cracking and axle splitting over time
• Detailing: Considered good for its era, but surpassed by later Bachmann tooling (2005 onwards)
• Community Sentiment: Praised for affordability and nostalgic value; criticised for mechanical fragility and lack of DCC readiness

Train Sets

Two notable sets used this tooling:

• 30-200: London Transport Freight Set with L91
• 30-201: London Transport Freight Set with L99

Each included:

• One 57xx loco in LT maroon
• Three wagons
• Track and analogue controller

Interesting Notes

• One of the few toolings to represent multiple subclasses (57xx, 67xx, 8750) with minor body variations
• Many models remain in use on layouts today, especially in preserved or heritage liveries
• Eventually retired in favour of Bachmann’s new 2005 tooling with modern features

Class & Prototype

The GWR 5700 Class was Britain's most prolific pannier tank locomotive, with 863 examples built between 1929 and 1950. Designed by Charles Collett as standard replacements for ageing Victorian tank engines, these versatile 0-6-0 locomotives featured revolutionary pannier tanks that enabled efficient Belpaire firebox adoption whilst providing superior maintenance access.

Operating across 90% of the GWR network, they handled everything from coal trains to passenger services, with thirteen examples serving London Transport until 1971. Built by seven manufacturers including North British, Swindon Works, and various contractors, the class demonstrated exceptional standardisation despite diverse construction sources.

Sixteen locomotives survive in preservation across heritage railways, whilst modern models from Accurascale, Bachmann, and others capture their distinctive character with unprecedented detail accuracy. The class epitomised GWR engineering excellence and became the template for all subsequent British pannier tank development.

No prototype found.

Operator & Livery

The Great Western Railway (1835-1947) was Britain's most innovative railway company, engineered by Isambard Kingdom Brunel with his revolutionary 7ft ¼in broad gauge system. Known affectionately as "God's Wonderful Railway" and the "Holiday Line," the GWR connected London Paddington with the West Country, Wales, and Birmingham through 3,800 miles of superbly engineered routes.

Renowned for its Brunswick green locomotives, chocolate and cream carriages, and engineering excellence centred at Swindon Works, the GWR pioneered advanced steam technology under chief mechanical engineers Daniel Gooch, George Jackson Churchward, and Charles Collett. The company's legendary locomotive classes—including Castle, King, Hall, and Manor—established performance standards that influenced British locomotive design for decades.

The only "Big Four" railway to retain its original identity through the 1921 grouping, the GWR maintained its distinctive corporate culture until nationalisation in 1947. Today, the company's engineering legacy lives on through extensive preservation efforts, heritage railways, and detailed model railway recreations that celebrate the finest traditions of British steam railway operation.